Transcript Highlights:

• Like many families, mine emphasized education. I agree.
• Like many families, mine emphasized education.
• They have an education committee. They have economic development committees.
• We show up to assess, educate, monitor, and intervene early. We take vitals.
• to consider that Washington State must develop and reinforce pathways to public service through education

Summary: The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week. The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• You said education. Okay, Conservation Committee.
• I'm going to be educated pretty quick here in the Conservation Committee.
• On behalf of our Board of Education, our faculty and staff, our students, and our families, I thank you
• In addition to being an education administrator, I am also a lifelong resident of the beautiful Mora
• As an education leader, I must emphasize that student learning cannot be separated from student health

Bills: SB22 , SB310

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: motor vehicle manufacturers, licensing, dealers, franchise agreements, consumer protection, water supply, sewage improvements, environment, funding, Mora County, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no further witness, is there any further for educational purposes?
• Would it come from health care, corrections, education?
• read the bill, but there are no guardrails in the bill that would make sure that no money came from education
• The airport director up here educating everyone about what is going on.
• Good education going on. I'm granting a lot of information.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• following bills and resolutions to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee: Senate Bill 41; to Education
• following bills and resolutions to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee: Senate Bill 41; to Education
• To education,<00:12:51.920><c> Senate</c><00:12:52.320><c> Bills</c><00:12:53.279><c> 124,</c><00:12:
• 53.760><c> and</c><00:12:54.240><c> 152</c><00:12:55.440><c> to</c> education, Senate Bills 124, and
• Senate Bill 184, an act relating to education reporting. Senator Tishner.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The House clerk then informed the Senate that the House had passed House Bills 49 and 470 and requested concurrence. The clerk also read the second-reading calendar, which included Senate Bills 45, 98, 118, 145, 153, 155, 158, and 160, all of which were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports placed several bills on the calendar, including SB 69, 56, 72, 57, 172, 9, 141, and 110, with various committee substitutes and title amendments noted. The Rules Committee later posted those bills for the next day’s regular orders, and the Committee on Committees made several referrals, including SB 41 to Appropriations and Revenue; SBs 124 and 152 to Education; SBs 125, 138, 162, and 170 to Judiciary; SJR 90 to Transportation; SBs 47, 104, and 159 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Senate Resolutions 85 through 89 to the floor. During floor business, members filed amendments and co-sponsorship requests, including amendments to SB 39 and SB 110 and co-sponsorships for bills such as SB 98, SB 172, SB 63, SB 135, SB 179, and SB 169. Senators also made several announcements and remarks, including notice of upcoming committee meetings, a reception for working families, the National Farm Machinery Show, and concerns about coal, energy affordability, and a constituent’s high utility bill. One senator called up Senate Resolution 82 for the next day, and the chamber adopted Senate Resolution 84, honoring Harriet Thompson of Winchester for her service to the Clark County Republican Women’s Club and the Republican Party. New legislation was introduced, including SB 180 on property valuation, SB 184 on education reporting, SBs 185-187 on branch budget recommendations and branch budget bills, SB 188 on railroad safety, and SCR 96 to reestablish the disaster prevention and resiliency task force. No floor votes were taken on the bills themselves during this meeting beyond the adoption of SR 84. The Senate then recessed for committee meetings, returned, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for all you do to preserve our traditions, educate our future generations, and strengthen the
• We should be focusing on child care and public education.
• It's found in the education system, so the government-run education system, the same system that has
• Education will meet tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in SHR 1. Thank you, Mr. President Pro Tem.
• Education will meet tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in SHR 1. Senator Rogers. Mr.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including representatives of the Arizona Fair Association, Mohave County fair staff, a constituent guest, a physician candidate shadowing a senator, Father David Myers, and the Doctor of the Day. The chamber also received messages and read a long list of bills placed on second reading. The Committee of the Whole considered three measures. SB 1268, a veterans property tax exemption cleanup bill, was explained as clarifying that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence and, if jointly owned, still counts as 100 percent; it received a do pass recommendation. SB 1051, requiring hospitals to collect and report patient immigration-status information for accounting purposes, drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would improve accountability for hospital spending and taxpayer costs, while opponents argued it would intimidate patients, discourage care, burden hospitals, and target immigrants unfairly. Despite repeated points of order and appeals over germaneness and remarks, the bill advanced on a 16-13 vote. SB 1316, creating a rural health transformation fund process with public hearings and JLBC involvement, was presented as a transparency measure for roughly $167 million in federal rural health funds; supporters favored legislative input, while opponents said it added bureaucracy and could delay care. It advanced 17-13. The Committee of the Whole reported all three bills do pass, and the Senate adopted the report. HB 2792 was substituted for SB 1268 as an identical measure and passed with the emergency clause by a 29-1 vote. SB 1123 and SB 1145 also passed, and SB 1125, dealing with child safety and communication with tribal nations regarding group homes, passed unanimously 30-0. SB 1316 passed 17-13, and SB 1051 passed 17-13 after a lengthy floor debate in which supporters framed it as a fiscal/accountability measure and opponents called it harmful, anti-immigrant, and likely to deter medical care. The Senate then announced committee meetings for the next day and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• They educate the public about wildfires, healthy forests, that kind of thing.
• As long as we can educate the public on how important it is to have healthy forests, and to do that,
• ... ...sponsor to tell the committee how important it is that we educate the importance of using forestry
• So educating correctly is very important, so I will be supporting the motion. Thank you.
• So anyway, education is critically important because not everybody understands forestry.

Summary: The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the January 29, 2026 minutes and then heard a lengthy informational presentation on Idaho water projects and water management. Laura Hurway of the Idaho Groundwater Appropriators framed the discussion around statewide water challenges and the need for public-private investment. Presenters from the Boise River Basin, eastern Idaho, and the Twin Falls area described infrastructure modernization, canal lining, telemetry, recharge, and data collection efforts intended to improve efficiency, protect water supplies, and avoid future curtailment. Committee members asked about water savings, groundwater impacts, project timelines, and the role of incidental recharge, and witnesses emphasized that many projects take multiple years and combine state, federal, and private funding. Lori Gray described the $21 million modernization of the Ridenbaugh Headworks Canal, including automated gates, fish screens, and improved safety and efficiency, with funding from state grants, the Idaho Water Resources Board, and federal Reclamation/WaterSMART money. Daniel Hoke outlined the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project, which uses telemetry and modeling to track declining drain return flows and ungaged returns, with a proposed 15 Mile Creek regulation project to stabilize flows. Jay Barlogia detailed the Twin Falls Canal Company’s large canal-lining and pipeline project, including a $26.3 million grant and work to reduce seepage while balancing groundwater recharge concerns. Alan Jackson and Aaron Dowling discussed eastern Idaho groundwater and surface-water projects, including monitoring wells, telemetry, canal automation, and pipeline conversions, with testimony focusing on better aquifer understanding, reduced pumping, and local economic benefits. The committee then introduced and advanced several measures. It voted to introduce RS 331-09C1, a proposal giving the Idaho State Department of Agriculture continuous spending authority for the Range Land Improvement Fund, and RS 331-35, a concurrent resolution supporting wildlife crossings when backed by local communities. The committee also sent House Bill 502, which codifies Forest Products Commission rules and updates statutory language, to the House with a due pass recommendation after testimony that it supports forest education and active management. Finally, it sent Senate Joint Memorial 107 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the memorial supports the Integra Delamar gold mining project and urges federal agencies to move the NEPA/permitting process forward. Witnesses said the project has been in BLM review since 2020, has recently been placed on the Fast-41 transparency dashboard, and is expected to bring jobs and tax revenue, while committee members noted the need for timely state DEQ processing as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• They educate the public about wildfires, healthy forests, that kind of thing.
• They educate the public about wildfires, healthy forests, that kind of thing.
• As long as we can educate the public on how important it is to have healthy forests, and to do that we
• So educating correctly is very important, so I will be supporting the motion. Thank you.
• So anyway, education is critically important because not everybody understands forestry.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You already know our education system is 49th.
• You already know our education system is 49th.
• The money should go to education. It should go into our community.
• The money should go to education. It should go into our communities where we need it.
• Well, I can tell you where I'd like to spend it: on a lot more educating our children.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met for its second meeting, opened with a lengthy reminder about Senate decorum rules and the consequences for disruption, then approved the January 26, 2026 minutes. The committee first heard SB 1268, an emergency measure clarifying that a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability receives a full property tax exemption on a primary residence, including when the home is jointly owned with a spouse. County assessors said the bill was a needed cleanup to prior legislation and urged quick passage so applications could be processed before tax deadlines. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation; one senator supported it in committee but objected to the emergency clause on the floor because it limits referendum rights. The committee then considered SB 1152, which would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until an immigration judge grants asylum. Supporters argued it would prevent state funds from going to people whose status is not yet verified and emphasized taxpayer responsibility; opponents said existing law already covers the issue, warned it could encourage racial profiling, and cited the economic contributions of refugees and asylum seekers. After debate, the bill passed 4-3. Next, SB 1156 appropriated $20 million to DPS to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs for unauthorized persons. Supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden and needed backfill funding; opponents argued the money was unnecessary, not requested by DPS, and should not be spent on detention. The bill passed 4-3. SB 1157, which would appropriate $20 million for reimbursement of local border fencing or walls in high-crossing areas, drew the most extended and contentious testimony. Supporters framed it as a response to border gaps, cartel activity, and local security needs, while opponents said it would worsen fear, harm wildlife and communities, and divert funds from education and other priorities. The meeting briefly became disorderly during public testimony, prompting a rules clarification from the committee attorney about audience decorum and the chair’s authority. After debate, SB 1157 also passed 4-3. Finally, the committee heard SB 1213, as amended, which makes unlawfully present persons convicted of state or local offenses ineligible for probation and requires ICE notification; the amendment removed CBP from the notification provisions. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said it would ensure convicted noncitizens are not placed on probation at taxpayer expense. Opponents raised due process and equal protection concerns and said the bill would profile noncitizens. The amended bill passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• regulated substance prevention account, with 25% used for administration and 75% used for public health education
• in the cannabis bill, and I think it would be helpful to incorporate us into this as well as an educating
• As an educating team and somebody who can contribute to packaging rules.
• "They may have never been exposed to the substance labeled as natural without clear warnings, education
• There are currently too many gaps, no consistent regulations, limited education, and not enough protection

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2291, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, and then moved into executive session on several bills. Staff explained that HB 2291 would license kratom retailers and processors, set age 21 purchase limits, require labeling, child-resistant packaging, independent testing, an LCB-approved product directory, and an 11% excise tax, while banning certain synthetic or adulterated kratom products and restricting online/mail sales and public consumption. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to regulate natural kratom while banning the synthetic or chemically altered forms, and several witnesses supported stronger youth protections and product standards. Others opposed the bill’s licensing fee, statewide preemption of local bans, or the regulatory approach, while some testified that natural kratom helps with pain or recovery. The hearing on HB 2291 was then closed without action. In executive session, the committee took action on multiple bills. HB 2439, dealing with cigarette, vapor product, and tobacco product policy, was amended and reported out with a do pass recommendation; the adopted amendments limited Consumer Protection Act enforcement to the Attorney General, adjusted coupon language, and restored state preemption over local retail regulation. HB 1078 on pet insurance, HB 1701 on shared liquor-license premises, HB 2207 on bonded beer warehousing, and HB 2501 on real estate oil-tank disclosure were all reported out with do pass recommendations, with HB 1701’s substitute removing a Public Records Act exemption and HB 2207’s substitute aligning beer warehousing more closely with spirits warehouse rules. HB 2361, which raises the maximum small loan amount, was amended to make inflation adjustments biennial and to change publication requirements, then passed out of committee. The committee also approved HB 1932, which would authorize cannabis consumption events in regulated environments. The substitute bill would create a cannabis consumption event organizer license, allow limited adult-use events subject to local approval, and establish permit and budtender training requirements; members discussed the bill as a way to provide lawful consumption spaces while others objected to expanding cannabis access. In the final votes, HB 2439 passed 12-3, HB 1078 passed unanimously, HB 1701 passed 14-1, HB 2207 passed 14-1, HB 2501 passed unanimously, HB 2361 passed 13-2, and HB 1932 passed 11-4, all with do pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And education. Those are the two.
• With education, similar things, but we have a lot of statutes on there.
• So within Medicaid alone is a single largest budget that stated overtook education a few years back.
• but Representative Tanner: The single largest budget that state overtook education a few years back.
• I know your time is valuable, but I think it's been very, very educational.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 26 and 27, then introduced RS 33100, a proposal by Representative Alfieri to let county clerks use people excused from jury duty as poll workers, with those volunteers then being excused from jury duty for two years. It also introduced RS 33107 C1, Representative Hill’s revised flag bill, which would restrict government entities from displaying political, religious, or ideological flags on government property while allowing the American flag, state flag, military flags, university flags, and certain older city or county flags; the bill includes a daily penalty and enforcement by the Attorney General. Several members raised concerns about carve-outs, local community displays, and the impact on events such as Basque heritage observances, school and PTA displays, and city boulevard flags, and Representatives Church, Haas, and Bingham voted no on the motion to introduce. The committee then introduced RS 33090, Representative Tanner’s House concurrent resolution calling for an Article V balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Tanner argued that federal debt and spending are unsustainable and that states should push Congress to act; opponents warned about the dangers of a constitutional convention, while Tanner and Alfieri emphasized that Article V provides a state-led amendment process. The motion passed, with Representatives Boyle, Haas, and Church recorded as voting no. After the bill introductions, Tanner gave an extended overview of the state budget process through JFAC. He said Idaho’s revenue remains above forecast, but the state faces ongoing spending pressures, especially Medicaid, conformity costs tied to federal tax changes, and other supplemental requests. He warned against relying too heavily on one-time funds or the rainy day fund, urged caution on fiscal notes and new ongoing spending, and said some cuts and holdbacks may be needed to preserve the ending balance and protect reserves for a future recession. Members questioned him about Medicaid overruns, reserve use, roads, fire funding, and dedicated funds, and Tanner said many large budget drivers are constrained by federal or statutory requirements. The committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill adds the Department of Revenue, the Health Care Authority, and the Workforce Training and Education
• I've devoted my life to raising my disabled son and advancing my education and advocacy.
• because breaking intergenerational poverty requires coordinated, sustained work across systems: education
• needs a unified strategic approach to the children's behavioral health system of care, which spans education
• The children's behavioral health system of care, which spans education, disability, health care, child

Bills: SB5979 , SB6308 , SB6319

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: opioids, substance abuse, dependent children, child welfare, caregiver substance use, court orders, shelter care, judicial discretion, family law, early childhood, family services, diversion programs, court-ordered assessments, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have a Education Standing Committee on Education.
• For higher education audit reports were included on the committee's agenda.
• Sometimes, at least, I do on the education audit side, but I know in school districts... ...sometimes
• Because I know, coming from education, I know that education is one that we really have a hard time.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 8, the resolution urging the exploration of opportunities to honor and educate the
• Senate Resolution 8, the resolution urging the exploration of opportunities to honor and educate the
• Senate Bill 26, an act relating to discrimination in educational settings and declaring an emergency.
• c> settings</c><00:32:55.919><c> and</c><00:32:56.240><c> declaring</c><00:32:56.640><c> an</c> educational
• settings and declaring an educational settings and declaring an emergency.<00:32:57.840><c> Senator<

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What features they used to assist them and no and no work, forest flow, educational and a instruction
• And so this is something that would have a huge impact as we continue to educate.
• We have 815 educators and we have 90,000 inmates.
• We do from case management planning to substance abuse to education.
• I look forward to being educated about the backstories. Thank you, sir.

Transcript Highlights:

• bringing solutions to the problems that our state faces in energy, water, defense, national security, education
• As I already mentioned, these student experiences, not only during their education, but to retain them
• have been gathered weekly and very carefully analyzed by our colleagues at the New Mexico Higher Education
• Madam Chair, Senator, the $95 million is reported by the New Mexico ATD, which is the Higher Education
• that this is the only federal funding that's being lost to our universities and the entire higher education

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• further endanger these children through unvetted hiring practices or unclear health, safety, and education
• a description of the facility's methods for preventing illness, an emergency evacuation plan, an education
• Board of Education is significant. is deemed remarkable by prominent historians.
• We left up an education who might still be there for all we know.
• Creighton couldn't come down because he's, you know, they've got eight billion dollars of public education

Bills: SB2784 , HB23 , HB247 , HB1533 , HB2011 , HB2013 , HB2273 , HB2421 , HB2464 , HB3120 , HB3424 , HB3575 , HB3788 , HB4370 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HJR34 , HB23 , HB247 , HJR34

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: Somervell County, hospital district, board of directors, elections, local governance, staggered terms, third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a required criminal background check, continuing education, and it's renewed. every two years
• come out and work in this industry, and this stuff doesn't pan out, we've just reconfigured higher education
• We're paying for your supply, paying for your permitting, paying to educate your workforce, paying for
• licenses from other states with comparable licensing standards to navigate additional training, education
• illegal to practice an occupation without a license obtained, which usually requires some form of education

Bills: HB 11 , HB 14 , HB 132 , HB 1584 , HB 1606 , HB 5061 , HB 1041 , HB 2286

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.

Transcript Highlights:

• am the chairman of the Crime Stoppers of Houston Needs Program, which stands for Neurodiversity, Education
• within, within the, the two-year training cycle, which is a forty-hour requirement for, for ongoing education
• The continuing education is offered by the Department.
• Those are the two main entities that provide continuing education for polygraph examiners across the
• The registration requirement lasts for 10 years for the most from the most recent conviction or education

Bills: SB 36

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• That's led to failed measures for affordable housing, education, public transit, and even emergency services
• And as we face this threat, transparency is the best way to educate voters.
• We can't out-educate voters when TikTok and social media is being flooded with paid ads from the backers
• Mitch Steyer, with CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals, also in support.
• The longer ballot question is likely to result in the opposite of any intention to educate the voter.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on April 30, 2025, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. The committee first approved six bills on consent, including AB 950, AB 953, AB 1214, and three committee bills. It then heard several measures dealing with election administration, ballot transparency, and campaign finance, with most authors accepting committee amendments and several bills being held on call for absent members. AB 930 by Assembly Member Ward would extend the deadline for counting timely postmarked vote-by-mail ballots from three to seven days after Election Day and update recount procedures, including online posting of recount results and clearer rules for recount requests. The bill was supported by county election officials and passed out of committee with a due-pass recommendation, though it was initially held on call. AB 459 by Assembly Member DeMaio proposed allowing electronic signatures for initiatives, referenda, and recalls; the Secretary of State and labor groups opposed it over security, implementation, and cost concerns, and the committee ultimately rejected the bill after reconsideration. AB 699 by Assembly Member Stephanie would change how local tiered tax and bond measures are described on ballots by allowing more detail to be placed in the voter guide; housing, school, and local government groups supported it, while taxpayer and realtor groups opposed it as reducing ballot transparency. AB 1188, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Ortega, would list the top three funders supporting and opposing statewide initiatives and referenda directly on the ballot; transparency advocates and labor supported it, while county election officials and business groups raised concerns about ballot length and processing costs. Both AB 699 and AB 1188 passed out of committee with amendments and were held on call. The committee also heard AB 827 by Assembly Member Berman, which would standardize and extend the deadline for curing vote-by-mail signature problems, add a link to cure forms in ballot-tracking notifications, and make other changes to improve ballot curing. It drew no opposition in the hearing and passed with a due-pass recommendation. AB 351 by Assembly Member McKenna would raise the Levine Act contribution threshold for local officials to $1,500 and add CPI adjustments; supporters said it would reduce administrative burdens and reflect modern campaign finance realities, while good-government groups and the League of Women Voters opposed it as weakening anti-corruption protections. The committee initially failed AB 351, then granted reconsideration, but the transcript ends before a final disposition is clearly completed. Finally, AB 1079 by Assembly Member Farías would eliminate the automatic appellate stay in California Voting Rights Act and Fair Maps Act cases; it was supported as a way to prevent delayed remedies in voting rights cases, opposed by the City of Santa Monica over impacts on ongoing litigation, and passed with amendments. After taking up the held items, the committee recorded final votes on the bills, including passage of AB 930, AB 699, AB 1188, AB 827, and AB 1079, and rejection of AB 459.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cassel: IF I UNDERSTAND YOUR TESTIMONY IT SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVE THE EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND TO BE A CERTIFIED
• >> I'M HAPPY TO PROVIDE A BREAKDOWN OF THE SNAP ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE OUTREACH EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
• SO THAT WAS BETWEEN HOPE FLORIDA AND EDUCATION DSO AND THAT IS REPORTED THROUGH THEIR FINANCIAL FILINGS
• FORMATION THE MONEY THAT WAS DESIGNATED FOR INITIAL HOPE FLORIDA WAS THE POSITIVE AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
• THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT INDIVIDUALS WANTED TO MAKE ALIGNED WITH THE INTENT BEHIND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION